分类: society

  • Eduscan Institute hosts ‘Inner Peace, Outer Health’ — A celebration of healing and empowerment

    Eduscan Institute hosts ‘Inner Peace, Outer Health’ — A celebration of healing and empowerment

    The Eduscan Institute, a pioneer in holistic education and empowerment for children of determination, is set to host a transformative event titled ‘Inner Peace, Outer Health: The Path to Healing’ on November 8 and 9, 2025, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, respectively. The event, held at the Iranian Club in Dubai and the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, will feature a Walk of Confidence, symbolizing inclusion, courage, and collaboration. Students from Eduscan Institute will walk alongside peers from Amity University, Symbiosis University, and other institutions, showcasing a united spirit of empowerment.

    The event will also honor 12 Cancer Victors, women who have triumphed over cancer and now inspire others with their resilience. A highlight will be a soulful dance performance, ‘Healing Through Movement,’ by Vishaka Verma and her troupe, blending art and rhythm to emphasize the restorative power of music and movement. Ruby Ahluwalia, a senior Indian bureaucrat and founder of Sanjeevani… Life Beyond Cancer, will deliver a keynote address. Ahluwalia, a Stage 3 metastatic breast cancer survivor, has impacted millions through her organization, providing free holistic care to over 1.3 million underprivileged cancer patients.

    Dr. Alka Kalra, founder and director of Eduscan Institute, emphasized the event’s broader purpose: ‘This is about rediscovering the strength within every individual. Our students, cancer victors, and the community embody resilience, compassion, and unity—the true spirit of the UAE Year of Community.’ Established in 1994, Eduscan Institute has empowered over 30,000 children through education, emotional development, and leadership training, guided by Dr. Kalra’s philosophy, ‘Leaders are not born, but made.’

  • Eid Al Etihad: Dubai’s Salik to give recharge cards to winners of weekly contest

    Eid Al Etihad: Dubai’s Salik to give recharge cards to winners of weekly contest

    In celebration of the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad, Dubai’s toll operator, Salik, has introduced an exciting weekly contest offering participants the chance to win recharge cards. From now until December 2, 2025, Salik will pose a question each week, with five lucky winners awarded two recharge cards worth Dh400 each. The initiative is part of Dubai’s broader National Month campaign, which runs from Flag Day on November 3 to Eid Al Etihad on December 2, 2025. This campaign aims to honor national occasions, foster pride in the nation’s journey, and engage all segments of society through a variety of national, community, and cultural events. Salik has encouraged residents to participate in the contest via a post on X, though details about the weekly questions remain undisclosed. This initiative not only celebrates the UAE’s unity but also provides an opportunity for residents to engage in a fun and rewarding activity during the festive period.

  • UAE: Sheikha Jawaher launches development projects, university grants in Morocco

    UAE: Sheikha Jawaher launches development projects, university grants in Morocco

    Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Wife of Sharjah Ruler and Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, has unveiled a series of groundbreaking development initiatives in Morocco. These projects, spearheaded by The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), focus on education, economic empowerment, and the protection of children and women, aiming to create sustainable and transformative change in the region.

  • Fourth Palestine Action prisoner launches hunger strike over ‘systematic abuse’

    Fourth Palestine Action prisoner launches hunger strike over ‘systematic abuse’

    A fourth individual detained in the UK in connection with alleged activities linked to Palestine Action has initiated a hunger strike, protesting their detention conditions and the government’s decision to proscribe the direct action group. Jon Cink, remanded at Bronzefield prison, joins Qesser Zurah, Amu Gibb, and Heba Muraisi in an open-ended hunger strike, citing “systematic abuse” by prison authorities. Cink’s detention stems from a June 2025 raid on RAF Brize Norton, where activists allegedly targeted military planes with paint and crowbars, claiming they were used in operations in Gaza and the Middle East. This incident prompted then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to ban Palestine Action in July 2025, equating it in British law to groups like ISIS or al-Qaeda. Supporting or belonging to the group now carries a potential 14-year prison sentence. The campaign group Prisoners for Palestine (PFP) announced the hunger strike after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood failed to address their demands, including immediate bail, an end to communication interference, and the de-proscription of Palestine Action. More prisoners are expected to join the strike, potentially making it the largest coordinated hunger strike since the 1981 Irish republican protest led by Bobby Sands. PFP representative Audrey Corno highlighted disparities in treatment, noting that Zurah, Gibb, and Muraisi’s requests for medical attention and electrolytes were denied. Zurah was told her consumption of a fruit drink and noodle broth invalidated her hunger strike, despite her reported physical suffering. The Ministry of Justice declined to comment on individual cases or clinical management of hunger-striking prisoners. HMP policies mandate regular health assessments for prisoners refusing food, but details on clinical management remain unclear. Earlier in August, another Palestine Action-linked prisoner, T Hoxha, launched a hunger strike over deteriorating conditions, including suspended recreational activities and withheld mail. Corno also pointed to racial disparities in treatment, with Zurah allegedly manhandled by guards and placed on restricted status, while Cink was ignored. Zurah and Gibb suspect they are under a non-association order, limiting their interactions. Sodexo, which operates HMP Bronzefield, did not respond to requests for comment.

  • Gunshots end months-long Canadian ostrich cull saga that captivated RFK Jr

    Gunshots end months-long Canadian ostrich cull saga that captivated RFK Jr

    The culling of over 300 ostriches in British Columbia has ignited a heated debate, drawing attention from across Canada and beyond. The birds, owned by Universal Ostrich Farms, were ordered to be euthanized after two tested positive for avian flu (H5N1) following an outbreak that claimed 69 birds. Despite a months-long legal battle that reached the Supreme Court of Canada, the farm owners were unable to overturn the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) decision. The court dismissed the case on Thursday, allowing the cull to proceed. The decision has been met with widespread protest, with supporters including American grocery billionaire John Catsimatidis, US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr., and celebrity doctor Dr. Mehmet Oz, who even offered to adopt the birds. The farm’s co-owner, Katie Pasitney, expressed her devastation in a tearful video, stating, ‘Shame on you Canada. The world is watching.’ The ostriches had become a political symbol, with critics accusing the Canadian government of overreach. The case has also highlighted tensions in the small town of Edgewood, where the farm is located, with local businesses reporting disruptions caused by protesters. The CFIA defended its decision, emphasizing the need to protect public health and Canada’s poultry industry. Meanwhile, Kennedy and others have argued for studying the birds for potential immunity to avian flu, rather than culling them. The saga has underscored the complexities of balancing public health measures with ethical and legal concerns.

  • China starts construction of water diversion project to quench thirst of metropolis

    China starts construction of water diversion project to quench thirst of metropolis

    China has officially commenced the construction of a groundbreaking water diversion project aimed at addressing the acute water shortages in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. The project, launched on Friday, will channel water from the Dadu River into the ancient Dujiangyan irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been pivotal in the region’s agricultural prosperity for over 2,000 years. The initiative will leverage a natural elevation drop to transport water through an extensive network of over 260 kilometers of tunnels and pipelines to the Chengdu Plain, supplementing the existing water supply from the Minjiang River. Scheduled for completion in eight years, the project is expected to transfer 1.39 billion cubic meters of water annually by 2040, increasing to 1.52 billion cubic meters by 2050. This ambitious endeavor will benefit 34.13 million people across 43 county-level areas in eight cities, while also supporting vast tracts of farmland. The project, which has been in the planning stages since the 1950s, represents a critical component of China’s national water network, integrating urban and rural water supply, irrigation, ecological water replenishment, and emergency water sourcing. As rapid socio-economic development in western China continues to strain water resources, this project marks a significant step in ensuring sustainable water management for the region’s future growth.

  • Manfred Goldberg: Holocaust survivor who said he was ‘heartbroken’ by Gaza dies aged 95

    Manfred Goldberg: Holocaust survivor who said he was ‘heartbroken’ by Gaza dies aged 95

    Manfred Goldberg, a distinguished Holocaust survivor and advocate for Holocaust education, has died at the age of 95. Born in Germany in 1930, Goldberg endured the horrors of Nazi concentration camps during World War II before settling in the UK in 1946. Earlier this year, he was honored with the Member of the British Empire (MBE) medal by King Charles for his lifelong dedication to educating others about the Holocaust. Goldberg began sharing his harrowing experiences publicly only in his 70s, becoming a prominent figure in the Jewish community and a frequent speaker at schools and memorial events. He also participated in innovative educational projects like Testimony 360, which uses virtual reality and AI to preserve survivors’ stories. In January 2024, Goldberg expressed his heartbreak over Israel’s war on Gaza, particularly after a British soldier fighting for Israel used a Holocaust survivor’s prayer shawl in a controversial social media post. Goldberg, who had a close friendship with fellow survivor Zigi Shipper, believed Shipper would have been equally devastated by the conflict. Dr. Agnes Kory, another Holocaust survivor, lamented Goldberg’s passing, emphasizing the growing challenge of preserving the memory of the Holocaust as survivors pass away. Goldberg’s life was marked by resilience and a commitment to peace, as he and Shipper often urged others to reject hatred. His legacy continues to inspire future generations.

  • Tianjin’s Hangu Salt Field marks 1,100th anniversary

    Tianjin’s Hangu Salt Field marks 1,100th anniversary

    Tianjin’s Changlu Hangu Salt Field commemorated its 1,100th anniversary on Thursday, showcasing its remarkable journey from an ancient salt production site to a beacon of green and high-quality development. Established in 925, the Hangu Salt Field has long been a cornerstone of salt production along China’s Bohai coast, with an annual output of approximately one million tons. Over the centuries, the field has transitioned from traditional methods like ‘boiling seawater for salt’ to advanced, intelligent production systems that seamlessly blend industrial efficiency with cultural tourism. Yan Haibin, head of the publicity department at the Hangu Salt Field, emphasized the dual significance of the site: ‘We are not only preserving a millennium-old salt field but also safeguarding a cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations.’ The anniversary celebration highlights the field’s enduring legacy and its role as a model for sustainable development in the modern era.

  • Louvre vows to restore the imperial crown dropped by thieves during museum robbery

    Louvre vows to restore the imperial crown dropped by thieves during museum robbery

    The Louvre Museum in Paris has announced plans to restore the damaged crown of Empress Eugénie, which was recovered outside the museum following a daring robbery on October 19. The crown, adorned with over 1,300 diamonds and emeralds, was one of eight precious objects stolen from the Apollo Gallery. Thieves used disc cutters to break into display cases, making off with items including a sapphire diadem, a necklace, and a single earring linked to 19th-century Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense. The crown was found outside the museum, likely damaged during the theft rather than when it fell to the ground. Laurence des Cars, the Louvre’s director, confirmed that most of the crown’s jewels remain intact, though a few small diamonds and one of its eight gold eagles are missing. The restoration will be funded by patrons and supervised by a scientific committee, symbolizing the museum’s ongoing ‘New Renaissance’ initiative. Des Cars, who offered to resign after the robbery, emphasized the need for modernization, citing issues such as outdated facilities, overcrowding, and inadequate security. The ‘Louvre New Renaissance’ plan, launched earlier this year, aims to address these challenges with an estimated budget of 800 million euros ($933 million) by 2031.

  • Discover Norway: Why Oslo should be your next Nordic getaway

    Discover Norway: Why Oslo should be your next Nordic getaway

    Oslo, the capital of Norway, stands as a quintessential Scandinavian destination, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and sustainable living. Renowned for its majestic fjords, cutting-edge museums, and eco-friendly initiatives, Oslo is a city that caters to every traveler’s desires. Whether you’re drawn to its Viking heritage, avant-garde architecture, or vibrant nightlife, Oslo promises an unforgettable experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to exploring this Nordic gem.\n\n**Nature’s Splendor**\nFor nature enthusiasts, the Oslofjord is a must-visit. A scenic cruise along its shoreline offers breathtaking views of iconic landmarks, including the Oslo Opera House and picturesque lighthouses. The city’s commitment to green living is evident in its numerous parks, with Vigelandsparken being a standout. This sprawling garden features over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, each representing different stages of human life, alongside stunning water bodies and landscapes.\n\n**Cultural and Historical Highlights**\nOslo’s rich history is showcased at the Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle turned museum, and the Royal Palace, a neoclassical marvel. The city’s main thoroughfare, Karl Johans gate, is lined with boutiques, cafes, and historic buildings, offering a vibrant mix of old and new. For winter sports enthusiasts, the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower provides a deep dive into Norwegian skiing culture, complete with a state-of-the-art ski jump and panoramic views of the city.\n\n**Museum Haven**\nArt and history buffs will find Oslo a treasure trove. The National Museum houses over 400,000 works, while the Munch Museum celebrates the legacy of Edvard Munch. Maritime enthusiasts can explore the Kon Tiki and Fram museums, which chronicle Norway’s adventurous seafaring history. The Norsk Folkemuseum offers a glimpse into Norway’s cultural past, with buildings dating back to the 1500s.\n\n**Culinary and Wellness Delights**\nOslo’s gastronomic scene is a delight, featuring local specialties like reindeer, lutefisk, and Brunost. The city’s sauna culture, often followed by a dip in an icy fjord, provides a unique wellness experience that rejuvenates both body and mind.\n\nOslo’s seamless blend of tradition and modernity, coupled with its commitment to sustainability, makes it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique Nordic experience.